CMC Carboxymethylcellulose

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC, cellulose gum, CAS 9000-11-7) is the water-soluble polymer that controls fluid loss and builds viscosity in water-based drilling muds. Global Chemicals LLC supplies API 13A drilling grades in low-viscosity (LV) and high-viscosity (HV) forms, degree of substitution 0.65–0.95, in 25 kg bags and big bags from stock in Muscat, with delivery to the interior drilling locations.

Choosing the grade. CMC LV is the filtration-control polymer: at 1–3 lb/bbl it builds a thin, tough filter cake and cuts API fluid loss with little rise in viscosity, so the mud stays pumpable while the formation is protected. CMC HV is the viscosifier: at 0.5–1.5 lb/bbl it raises viscosity and gel strength for hole cleaning and suspension, with some filtration benefit as well. Both work over pH 7–11, in fresh water, seawater and brines up to saturation in the salt-tolerant grades, and both are compatible with bentonite, polymers, lignosulphonates and the usual mud additives. Add the powder slowly through the hopper into moving fluid so it disperses before it hydrates, allow 20–30 minutes for full yield, and treat with a biocide if the mud will sit for days, because CMC is a cellulose that bacteria will eat. Its thermal limit is about 120–135 °C; hotter wells need synthetic high-temperature polymers.

Beyond drilling, the same grades serve workover and completion fluids, horizontal-directional-drilling and water-well muds, and civil-engineering slurries, and technical CMC grades thicken detergents, ceramics glazes, paper coatings and textile sizing.

Handling and storage: CMC is not hazardous, but the powder is slippery when wet and the dust is a nuisance; wear a dust mask when mixing and clean up spills before they meet water. Keep bags closed and dry, off the floor; the powder absorbs moisture and lumps. Every lot carries a certificate of analysis to the API 13A tests (viscosity, filtrate, moisture, purity) and a safety data sheet. Global Chemicals LLC is JSRS-registered and ISO 9001:2015 certified, and the oilfield chemicals guide linked on this page lists bentonite, barite and the other mud products.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, to the interior rigs by arrangement, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the grade, tonnage and rig location.